1999 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 1999 Subaru Outback — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Head gasket failed on 1999 subaru at 38,000. Car was maintained religiously. Subaru recall was never sent to me. I was told my car was the 'wrong phase engine' to be covered under warranty. Car had overheated 3 months earlier. Subaru flushed the system and added 'special coolant lubricant'. This…”
filed Aug 8, 2009
“Head gasket failed at 125k miles. I spent $1725 getting the head gasket & cylinder bolts replaced. The head gasket is now failing again 9 mos & 12k miles later. I have always meticulously maintained this car. *tr”
filed Dec 6, 2007
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 1999 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.